Hoisting apparatus



N0 6, 1951 G. R. ARNER, SR

HOISTING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Feb. 8, 1946 Att/frueys Nov. 6, 1951 G. R. ARNER, SR

HOISTING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheei 2 Filed Feb. 8, 1946 In Ven/or Nov. 6, 1951 l G. R. ARNER, SR 2,574,236

HOISTING APPARATUS Attorneys Nov. 6, 1951 G. R. ARNER, SR

HOISTING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 8, 1946 I m'ento r Aflorneys Nov. 6, 1951 G. R. ARNER, SR

HOISTING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 8, 1946 I wei/lar S MQ,

A Ito rn eys Nov. 6, 1901 G. R. ARNER, SR 2,574,236

HoIsTING APPARATUS Filed Feb. s, 194e l s sheets-sheet e I 11 rentar A [lo rn eys Patented Nov. 6, 1`951 v UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HolsTrNG APPARATUS George R. Arner, Sr., Cornwells Heights, Pa. Application February s, 1946, serial No. 646,259 1 claim. (o1. 25a-'91) The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in hoists and more particularly to a portable hoist, especially adapted for use at repair stations and garages, but which can also be used in steel mills, foundries and for lifting and placing aeroplane motors and other heavy machinery.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a hoist capable of lifting from ve hundred to twenty-five thousand pounds, capable lof being moved about from one point to another at repair stations and garages, thus dispensing with the conventional permanently located lifts and especially with respect to the bolsters used on such lifts, which present obstructions to the free access of the transmission and other parts underlying an automobile or other vehicle.

Still another important object of the invention is to provide a hoist, which as before stated eliminates the conventional bolster and whichbecause of the fact that it rises against and lifts a vehicle by its axles, permits free rotation of the wheels of the vehicle to permit testing o-f the brakes, etc.

A further object of the invention is to provide a hoist which does away with the necessity of digging for hydraulic cylinder placement and to a material extent eliminates installation costs.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a hoist capable of being hydraulically or semi-hydraulically operated in an easy and convenient manner and without the likelihood of mishaps occurring.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a hoist wherein the parts are co-related in such a manner as to facilitate operation, yet minimize considerably the occurrence of wear on moving parts.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a hoist having retractable wheels, which when lowered at a center point of the weight of the apparatus, permits the hoist to be moved about from one point to another with but a minimum amount of energy expenditure. j

An additional object is to provide a hoist Y'of the character stated which can be manufactured and employed at a considerably less cost than present day hoists capable of performing the same line of work.

Various other important objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to the reader of the following description.

' Figure 1 is a top plan view of the hoist. l Figure 2 is a side elevational view showing the hoist raised.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view showing the hoist lowered.

,Figure 4 is a fragmentary top plan view particularly showing the cylinders.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional View taken substantially on line 5-5 of Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 6 6 of Figure 3.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary detailed sectional view taken through one of the cylinders.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary top plan view showing the fluid line and slide rails.

Figure 9 is a section taken on line 9--9 of Figure 1.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary detailed sectional view of one of the swivel uid joints.

Figure 11 is a fragmentary detailed sectional View o-f one of the cam operated wheels.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary prospective and sectional view showing one of the adjustable wheels.

l Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts, it can be seen that numerals 5, 5 denote a pair of channeled tracks disposed in parallel spaced relation and these tracks are preferably reduced somewhat at a pair of their ends to form a seat for a tank 6, these elements being suitably welded together.

Numeral 1 denotes an outside frame, made up of a pair of angle side members 8, S, connected by an end bar 9, which bar is preferably welded to the adjacent ends of the tracks 5, 5 as at III.- Thus it can be seen, that while additional struts or cross members may be employed between the tracks 5, the tank B at one end, and the'bar 9 at the other end of this track arrangement serves to hold these tracks in proper spaced relation.

Nevertheless, bridge means I I, I2 must be provided between the tracks 5, 5 in order to support ar pair of hydraulic cylinders I3, lll, which are arranged in spaced parallel relation.

Referring again specifically to the tracks 5, 5, it can be seen that rotatably mounted between the sidewalls of each track 5 are rollers I5, upon which lower inverted T means I6 are adapted to move.

The lower inverted T means I6 underlie corresponding elongated T beams I'I which form part of a super structure.

vNumerals I8 denote elevator arms, while stabilizer arms I9 are located outwardly of the arms I8 and each has a bearing knuckle 2i) at its lower end interposed between the upstanding leg portions of a U-shaped bracket 2|, interposed between the corresponding frame side member 22 and the adjacent track 5. The bracket 2| is preferably welded in this position and has a. shaft 23 disposed through its legs and through the knuckle 20, this shaft having a flanged wheel 24 at its inner end adapted to ride the adjacent underlying edge portion of the complemental rail I6, thus holding the rail down and snugly against the rollers I5.

The lower ends of the arms I8 are provided with bearing knuckles 25 which are journaled on stub shafts 26 carried by the upstanding flanges of adjacent rail I6. The upper ends of the arms I8 having bearing knuckles 21 jour-y naled on sub-shaft 28 projecting inwardly from the upper beams I1, while the upper ends of the stabilizer arms I9 have bearing knuckles 29 journaled on sub-shafts 30 protruding outwardly from the rails I1. It will be understood that any form of lubricating means may be provided for the various bearings employed in this apparatus. As is clearly shown in Figure 2, while the stabilizer arms I9 may be straight, it is necessary that the elevator arms I8 take the form` of a slight or stretched S. The purpose in this is so that the elevator arms will assume an off center position when the apparatus is collapsed to the position shown in Figure 3.

Each of the cylinders I3, I4 consist of a cylindrical case 3| in which a piston 32 operates, this piston being located on the reduced end 33 of an elongated tubular rod 34. One or more backing elements 35 may be employed in additionlto the piston 32 and these elements held on the tubular rod 34 by a nut 36. Figure 1, the rod 34 is open at its end Within the case 3|.

The case 3| is provided with headers 31, 38, the header 31 having a circumferential groove 39 for receiving the adjacent end of the case 3|. Welded on adjacent end of the case 3| is a ring or flange 4I) having threaded openings therein for receiving machine bolts 4| which are disposed through openings in the peripheral portion of the header 31. A plug 42 is provided at the center of the header 31, which when removed permits access to the interior of the case and also to the interior of the tubular rods 34.

On the opposite end of the case 3| is a flange or ring 43, welded to the case and formed with threaded openings for receiving machine bolts 44 which are disposed through openings in a flange 45, which is radially disposed with respect to a plug plate 46, inserted into the adjacent end of the case 3|. The threaded ring 41 is provided on the tubular rod 34 and is threadably disposed into a threaded recess in the plug plate 46. The ring'41 may have tool engageable recesses 43 therein.

A bridge bar 49 is disposed between the rails I6 and has its ends Welded thereto as is apparent in Figure 8.

The cuter ends of the tubular rod 34 are threaded as at 56 and these portions pass through openings in the bridge bar 49 and carry jam nuts 5|, 5|, one at each side of the bar 49. A sulcient amount of the threaded portion 50 ,protrudes beyond the bar 49 so as to permit connection as at 52 with a connecting pipe or conduit 53 in which is a T 54 from which a pipe 55 extends upwardly and is connected by a swivel joint 56 to a pipe 51 in-wich a lock valve 58 having a control handle 59 is located. This pipe is connected by a swivel joint 60 to an elongated pipe 6|, which in-turn is connected` by a swivel As is apparent in joint or coupling 62 to a tube 63 which depends into the tank 6 and terminates adjacent the bottom thereof.

As is shown in Figure 9, the end portions of the tank are slightly reduced or stepped into to accommodate the reduced adjacent end portions of the tracks 5. It is also to be understood that the adjacent ends of the side members 8 of the frame 1 are welded to the tank.

Numeral 64 denotes a, ller cap for the tank, while numeral 65 denotes a compressed air inlet and a conduit 66 therefor. It is here to be understood, that the tank 6, when the apparatus is collapsed is full of oil and this oil is displaced from the tank to the cylinders I3, I4 when air pressure is delivered to the tank by way of the inlet 65..

At the center of weight of the machine are Wheels 61, which are capable of being lifted or lowered by cam means. There is one of these wheels and cam assemblies at each side of the machine, and as above stated at the intermediate or center weight position thereof, and each assembly includes a bracket 69 having a horizontal portion a and a depending portion b, this portion having a horizontal foot c which extends across the space from the outside wall of the journaled track 5 to the base flange of the adjacent frame side member 22, this foot portion c being welded to the base flange. while the depending portion b is welded at its side edges to the journaled track 5.

The free end of the arm portion a has an opening 10 opposite to an opening 1I in vertical flange 8 of the frame side member 22.

Disposed through the openings 18, 1| is a shaft 13 on which a roll 14 is eccentrically disposed. this roll 14 being provided with a handle 15 and a reduced hub 16 for carrying the wheel 61. Normally, when the wheel is in elevated position, the handle 15 is resting upon the foot c, but when the handle is swung away from the foot c, the wheel 61 is lowered and by moving the handle 15 approximately to a point 180 removed from the foot c, the Wheel 61 will have been rotated past dead center and the wheel 61 will remain in lowered position, thus permitting the hoist to be shifted around from one point to another, with very slight effort on the part of the person pushing the same. These wheels 61 will substantially balance the apparatus when being rolled.

Figure 10 shows one of the universal or swivel couplings, particularly the coupling shown between the pipes 55 and 51.

This coupling consists of a pair of fittings 11, 18 with which the pipes 55, 51 respectively connect. The connecting factor of this coupling involves a nipple 19 threaded into the fitting 18 and having a shoulder against which an internally flanged nut 8| engages, the nipple 19 having a flange 82 bearing against the internal ange of the nut. Depending from the fitting 19 is an externally and internally threaded apron 83 for the outer threads which engages the threads of the nut, while the internal threads receive a threaded follower 84 which is adapted for compressing V packing elements 85 between the apron 83 and the adjacent portion of the nipple 19, this nipple 19 extending from the fitting 18 and terminating within the fitting 11. Thus a high-pressure sealed swivelled coupling is provided between the vpipes 55, 51 and this scheme of construction may vbe-carried out in any further swivelled couplingsV that may be needed. f

In the operation of this apparatus, the tank 6 is substantially lled with oil of the proper grade, and of course the ller cap 64 tightened before the machine is to be operated.

When the valve 58, which is a gate valve, is opened, and compressed air supplied to the tank 6 by way of the conduit 66 (suitable control means being employed, but now shown), the oil will be displaced from the tank 6, through the pipes 6I and 51 to the transverse pipe 53 and from there to the tubular rods 34 and into the cylinders I3, I4. (See Figures 1 and 7.)

As oil is forced into the chamber X, force is exerted on the piston 32 in the direction of the arrows, with the result that the tubular` rods 34 are forced outwardly and carry with them, the tie bar 49, which as before stated, ties the rods and the lower T beams I6 together. action of the tubular piston rods 34 takes place, the tie bar 49 is moved to the left in Figure 1, hinging the pipes 51, 6I and moving the lower beams I6 longitudinally on the rollers I5. This action of the beams I5 causes the elevator arms I8 to be pulled along the apparatus and due to the counteracting effect of the stabilizing arms I8, the upperbeams I'I are caused to rise against the axles of an overlying vehicle or other structure to be lifted, with the ultimate result that the work is lifted oif of the ground into the desired elevation, and in the instance of an automobile, the vehicle is lifted with the wheels thereof free, so that the wheels can be brake tested or otherwise tested or repaired While free to rotate.

As is apparent, the arms I9 serve to stabilize the structure and due to the fact that the ends thereof are pivotally xed to the upper and lower beams I1, I6, the shifting motion of the lower beams I6 with the lower ends of the elevator arms I8 being pivotally connected thereto, eiects the lifting action of the machine.

Due to the slight S form of the elevator arms I8, the pull on these arms by the sliding action of the lower beams I6, will always affect the elevator arms because they will be in oi center position when the machine is fully collapsed.

The outer frame 'I acts to adequately stabilize the apparatus in so far as foundation is concerned, the outer frame side members 22 also acting to afford means whereby the brackets 2l are firmly held in place. It will be observed that by welding the brackets 2I to both the channelled tracks 5 and the frame members 22, the lower ends of the stabilizer arms 9 are firmly anchored and there is no tendency of the hoist, by reason of this special construction, to vibrate or wobble.

With the cylinders I3, I4 charged with oil, the operator may simply close the gate valve 58, thus closing off the return of the oil to the tank '6, with the result that the hoist will remain in elevated position until such time as it is desired to permit the lowering thereof, when by opening the valve 58, the oil will return by gradual ow to the tank 6, gradually lowering the vehicle and this can be regulated by the degree of opening or closing of the valve 58.

While the drawings and the foregoing description disclose this invention as being hydraulically or Senn-hydraulically operated, obviously, with certain modifications, the apparatus can be electrically operated or operated by some other power source.

An apparatus such as this would be particularly suitable also in elevating heavy aeroplane engines for placement on aircraft, or for lifting various other machinery for placement, such as in industrial plants.

The hoist can be lightly constructed and can be conveniently used to lift loads which customarily tax energy of workmen. This is particularly acceptable due to the portable nature of the apparatus.

As garagemen and automobile service repairmen realize, the usual bolster on present day hydraulic lifts creates an obstacle to the free access of parts under an automobile, especially the transmission. With the present invention, there is no bolster plate across the beams I1 and thus this present day obstacle is eliminated.

While the foregoing specification sets forth the invention in specific terms, it is to be understood that numerous changes in the shape, size and materials may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed here and after.

I claim:

A hoist comprising an elongated frame forming a base, a trackway at either side of said base, a super-frame, a plurality of transversely rextending rollers mounted in each of the trackways, a rail supported for longitudinal reciprocal movement upon the rollers in each of the trackways, a plurality of supporting arms each pivotally connected at one end with the sides of the superframe and pivotally connected at its other end with one of the rails, brackets aflixed to the base, stabilizing links pivotally interconnecting the brackets and the super-frame, and hydraulic means for reciprocating the rails.

GEORGE R. ARNER, SR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 923,454 Stearns June 1, 1909 949,559 Wilson Feb. 15, 1910 1,258,337 Imblum Mar. 5, 1918 1,653,813 Meyers Dec. 27, 1927 1,906,403 Nolan May 2, 1933 2,132,343 Jarrett Oct. 4, 1938 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 297,907 Italy June 23, 1932 

